Iowa, mile for mile, offers some of the most beautiful sights in the country.  With so much to see, we found 12 great places you can visit in all areas of the state. From the rolling Loess Hills of western Iowa to the Mississippi river towns of the eastern part of our state, featured here are some of the absolute best Iowa road trips. Get your bags packed and ready with our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide, and then hit the road!

1. The Iowa Great Lakes
Iowa Great Lakes Recreational Trail, Milford, IA 51351, USA
Mary Fairchild/Flickr
The Iowa Great Lakes are easily one of Iowa's best vacation (or road trip) destinations. Thousands of people come every year to go boating, swimming, and water skiing, or to see Arnold's Park. While you're there, soak up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches, and stay at one of the beachside resorts. Have you visited the Iowa Great Lakes before?
2. The Amana Colonies
Amana Colonies, 622 46th Ave, Amana, IA 52203, USA
Carl & Peggy Backes/Flickr
Entering the little German villages of the Amana Colonies is like taking a step into a different world. The colonies are as picturesque as it comes, and you can spend days just visiting all the little shops, where almost everything is handmade. The Woolen Mill is especially fun to see, and their products are sold all over Iowa. If you get a chance to venture over here, take it -- the Amana Colonies truly are one of the very best day trips in Iowa that you can take! The Amana Colonies are a must-visit destination in Iowa, and one of the most unique places in the country!
3. Dubuque
Dubuque, IA, USA
Ben Collins-Sussman/Flickr
As Iowa's oldest city, Dubuqueis bursting with history and culture. The city has so much to do, you could spend an entire week here and still not get to see everything! (Did you know there are over 350 historic buildings in this little Iowa town? Talk about a dream for history lovers!) Some highlights to check out are: the Fenelon Place Elevator Car, the Mississippi River Museum, the historic Dubuque Star Brewery, and the Five Flags Theatre. While you're there, stay in the Hotel Julien, a historic gem of the city.
4. Decorah
Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Wikimedia Commons
Decorah is a little taste of Norway in Iowa. The city is home to the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, which was named one of 15 Best Small-Town Museums in the U.S. by the world-respected travel guide, Fodor’s. When you're done at the museum, go explore the Ice Cave, check out the trout hatchery, and have a glass of wine at the Winneshiek Wildberry Winery. This is small-town Iowa at its finest!
5. Pella
Pella, IA 50219, USA
Phil Roeder/Flickr
Speaking of small towns, Pella is easily one of the most unique towns in the state, and is definitely worth a road trip. Spend your day here eating a Dutch letter from Jaarsma Bakery, taking a tour of the Vermeer Windmill, and going for a walk by the Molengracht Canal. We simply adore this winsome small town in Iowa, and it's perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway!
6. Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Michael Kappel/Flickr
Every year, the Maquoketa Caves draw visitors from all over the state, and even the country -- and for good reason. These are by far Iowa's best caves, and if you're looking to have a fun outdoor adventure, Maquoketa Caves is the place to go. It is truly stunning to see, and every Iowan should visit at least once in their life.

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7. The Loess Hills
Loess Hills State Forest, Jackson Township, IA 51564, USA
Michael Leland/Flickr
The Loess Hills of Iowa are truly majestic, and it's totally worth it to take a road trip to see them. The 220-mile main route and the additional 185 miles of excursion loops offer a beautiful view no matter where you're at, and there are several scenic outlooks that you can get out of the car to enjoy. If you haven't experienced the Loess Hills before, we have the picture-perfect day trip that will let you explore all of this wondrous region in just one day!
8. Grotto of the Redemption
Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, 208 1st Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597, USA
Laura Bernhardt Fo/Flickr
The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa, is considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Grotto is a religious shrine that was painstakingly created by a priest back in 1912, in a construction that lasted 42 years. It's the largest grotto in the world, and it's also the largest collection of gemstones in one place. This truly is one of Iowa's greatest treasures.
9. Winterset
Winterset, IA 50273, USA
John Jacobsen/Flickr
Another of the best day trips in Iowa is the small town of Winterset. While you're there, check out the birthplace of Hollywood legend John Wayne, and take a tour of the beautiful and covered bridges of Madison County. There's so much to see and do in this charming small town!
10. The Villages of Van Buren
Villages of Van Buren, Inc, 809 1st St, Keosauqua, IA 52565, USA
Tyrgyzistan/Flickr
The Villages of Van Buren are definitely a hidden gem. Plan a road trip, and visit as many of the villages as you can. In Bentonsport, stay at the historic and haunted Mason House Inn, in Bonaparte, find some delicious grub at the Bonaparte Retreat, and check out the Strawberry Festival in Farmington.
11. Dyersville
Dyersville, IA, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
The town of Dyersville is most famously known as the home of the Field Of Dreams movie site. Of course you have to make a trip to see that, but afterwards, check out the National Farm Toy Museum and the beautiful St. Francis Basilica, then grab a bite to eat at the Palace Saloon. Come and see why Dyersville, Iowa, has been named one of the country's best small towns!
12. The World's Largest Truck Stop
World's Largest Truck Stop, W Iowa 80 Rd, Walcott, IA 52773, USA
Todd Quinn/Flickr
What road trip would ever be complete without making an honorary stop at the world's largest truck stop: Iowa 80 in Walcott. This place is so massive, there is a museum, a theatre, a barber, and even a dentist. Hungry? There's a 50-foot-long salad bar that's a veritable cornucopia of deliciousness. You could practically live in here!

What are some more spots to add to your list of road trip destinations? Share your picks for the best road trips in Iowa with us!

For more of the best road trips in Iowa, check out these 15 historical Iowa sites. And this list of the best things to do in Iowa each month of the year is great for those looking for more ways to explore the Hawkeye State.

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Best road trips in Iowa

Sarah | September 21, 2021

What are the best small-town road trips in Iowa?

We love Iowa's small towns, and so many of them make for excellent day trips or weekend getaways. You can find seven of the top locations for small-town getaways in Iowa in this feature. Notable Iowa small towns on this list include:

  • Marquette
  • Winterset
  • Boone
  • Bellvue
  • Pella

Why does everyone love Pella so much? Because it's absolutely enchanting! Come and stroll Pella's cute streets, enjoy a historic Dutch village, try some authentic Dutch eats, marvel at the beautiful town gardens, have fun at Lake Red Rock, and much more.

What are some must-visit places in Iowa?

Iowa is such a great place for day trips. Not too big, not too small, with an abundance of fun in each and every corner of the state! Some of the best day trip locations in Iowa are:

  • Backbone State Park
  • The small town of Eldora
  • Pammel State Park
  • Historic Union Park
  • The World's Largest Truck Stop

From historic sites and charming small towns to beautiful natural areas and must-visit attractions, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the Hawkeye State. Read more about the best day trips in Iowa.

What are some hidden gems in Iowa?

There are so many great places to visit in the Hawkeye State, as evidenced by the above list of the best road trips in Iowa! Some other places well worth exploring are:

And if you're a history buff, these 15 historical landmarks in Iowa are sure to quench your thirst for Hawkeye State history.

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